FdA Production & Technical Arts: Stage & Screen

Graduates of our comprehensive technical training are capable, creative and among the best in the industry.

This is a sector-leading, practical two-year course designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to develop successful and long-lasting careers in theatre, film, television and beyond.

In their first year, students are given a thorough grounding in four core disciplines – stage management, scenic construction, lighting and sound – and given an introduction to the elements involved in stage, screen and audio production through classes in stage management, production management, prop making, lighting (including design), rigging, sound, design, scenic construction, health and safety, first aid, fire safety and AutoCAD.

Students are also introduced to related work within television and radio, including the roles of First AD, Second AD and Location Manager.

Practical experience is gained through work on LAMDA’s public productions in the second and third terms.

Year Two

In their second year, students undertake senior production roles on LAMDA shows staged for key industry figures and members of the public in our three performance spaces. Some of these productions may tour to venues across the UK and overseas.

Senior roles are also available on LAMDA Films and radio projects, which are shot, recorded and edited by industry professionals.

Professional Preparation

Throughout the course, students are prepared for a career in the industry.

Two work placements offer students professional experience in an area of their choice. LAMDA is currently the only UK drama school to offer two placements as standard.

There are many other opportunities to network with current industry practitioners, and topics covered in class ensure students are prepared both for interviews with employers and for self-employment.

Applications

Please note applications for this course are through UCAS Conservatoires. Our Institution Code is L04 and the course code is PTAS.

The application deadline for this course is 1 May 2019.

Please note: the deadline stated on the UCAS application form is 15th January. This is in line with UCAS policies that all applications received by this date will definitely be considered, however all applications we receive up until 1 May will be considered.

For UK/EU students: £9,250 per year (Subject to further increase in subsequent years in line with Government policy)For Non-UK and EU students: £19,669

Note:

Fees for each term must be paid in advance and no later than the date specified in the student’s offer letter. Any student who is in arrears with regard to his/her fees will not be able to progress with their training until all outstanding monies owed to LAMDA are paid. Students who have not paid fees in full prior to completing their programme of study will have their degree withheld until such payments are made.

Students, in exceptional circumstances, intending to leave LAMDA must give at least one full term's notice in writing of such intention to the Principal. Students will be liable for fees throughout the notice period (eg. if a student leaves halfway through the autumn term, they are liable for the remainder of the fees for that term and the full fees for the following spring term). This is only relevant to students who are not paying fees through the Student Loans Company.

In the unlikely event that LAMDA is compelled to close due to a force majeure, no fees can be returned nor compensation made for any period of tuition that may have been lost through the Academy’s inability to carry on its work as a result of circumstances beyond its control.

Additional Course CostsStudents are expected to provide their own basic tool kit and safety boots, details of which are emailed to successful applicants. There is an additional charge of £25 for personal protective equipment and other materials with which students are supplied at the start of the course.

Note: In the unlikely event that LAMDA is compelled to close due to a force majeure, no fees can be returned nor compensation made for any period of tuition that may have been lost through the Academy’s inability to carry on its work as a result of circumstances beyond its control.

Entry CriteriaThe minimum entry age for this course is 18. There is no upper age limit. There are no academic requirement for this course but applicants must demonstrate an ability to learn, whether that’s through school or in an amateur or professional production setting. Entrance to the course is determined via an interview. Applicants should be fluent English speakers. Non-native speakers do not need to provide an English language test report when they apply as we assess English at the auditions and interviews, however will need to provide a valid IELTS test report with an overall score of seven if offered a place.

Interviews take place in London. Skype interviews may be available for iInternational applicants; please contact the Admissions Team for further information.

OffersLAMDA does not make conditional offers, or adjust entry requirements according to non-academic criteria.

PurposeThe purpose of this course is to develop a student’s professional expertise in stage management, production and technical theatre through in-depth training in craft, technical and managerial competencies, and to enable graduates to develop as independently-minded practitioners of considerable professional versatility.

AimsOn successfully completing the course a student will:

Be equipped with the necessary skills and experience to be able to gain employment at ASM level or equivalent technical level in the entertainment industry

Have knowledge of and feel comfortable with working as part of a professional theatre production or professional theatre organisation

Work within and be familiar with Health and Safety issues

Will be able to research and follow through the ideas presented by Directors and Designers.

Will be able to manage a budget, work within a given financial limit and confidently handle petty cash

Will be able to approach a problem in a systematic manner and seek out appropriate solutions

Will be able to recognise deadlines, prioritise workloads and be able to work within a given time frame

Will be familiar with current theatre technology

Be able to work within a team as a team player with the skills to become a team leader

Will be able to work under their initiative and take responsibility.

BreakdownThe course is made up of 240 credits in total, with each year being worth 120 credits. Year 1 contributes 35% of the final degree mark, and year 2 contributes the remaining 65%.

ModulesIn year 1, students must complete the introductory stage management module (30 credits), and will be guided in choosing 3 further optional modules from the available total of 4. There is a compulsory placement module in year 2, carrying 20 credits out of a total of 120 for the year. The rest of year 2 consists entirely of optional modules.

Teaching StaffAll teaching staff are experienced and active industry professionals. In addition, many key staff (including Heads of Department) hold or are working towards Fellowship of the HE Academy.

Location & TimetablesAll teaching takes place at LAMDA's main campus in West London. Some final year productions may go out on tour to locations in the UK and overseas.

Outline timetables are produced one month before each term starts, so that students are informed of their time commitments. Detailed timetables, including the specific rooms, are produced at the end of the week preceding delivery.

Overview of types of classes/teaching to expectThe nature of training at LAMDA is strongly vocational. Classes are practical and provide an experiential learning environment. Students will learn skills that will prepare and support them in a professional work environment. Practical experience in realistic environments allows students to gain the confidence needed by a self-reflective practitioner who has acquired a basis for furthering his/her own professional development.

Academic support and resourcesThe Sackler Library and study centre holds a growing stock of books, scripts and other material for background research, and also provides access to a wide range of appropriate on-line material, including journals, videos and audio resources.

Student GuideStudents train for a minimum of 35 hours per week and all classes are compulsory.

Learning Support ServicesLAMDA's Academic Services team provides access to a full range of appropriate academic support, including study skills, support for learners with dyslexia/dyspraxia, and other physical equipment or software needed to support students' learning. Academic Services also arrange access to any specialist help needed to support students' physical or mental wellbeing, such as physiotherapy, vocal health or counselling. Find more information for applicants with disabilities.

Course ProgressionFinal degree outcomes are calculated on the basis of marks from the first and second year, weighted 35/65 respectively.

In exceptional circumstances, arrangements are in place to condone or compensate for failure, if students have experienced severe personal difficulties, such as ill health.

Class SizesThis course has a maximum intake of 30. First year classes are normally taught either in half or quarter groups, but some classes involve the whole group, and a few will be one-to-one.

Academic Misconduct & ConsequencesLAMDA's regulations include provision for cases of academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, and set out the penalties applicable.

AssessmentsContinuous formative assessment takes place during all classes and projects. Summative assessment is based on a range of detailed criteria appropriate for the type of work being undertaken.

Marks & FeedbackMarks are made available at the end of every term. Detailed written feedback is provided at the end of each term, and at the end of each public performance or project.

The University of Kent have approved all of LAMDA's HE provision until academic year 2021-22. This course was validated during 2016-17.

Accomodation/HousingAccommodation costs in London can vary widely, but typical student accommodation is available for around £150 - £200 per week. You should allow a further £80 per week for travel and general living expenses.